Carol vs. Carolyn: which name is older?
The average Carol is 72 and the average Carolyn is 67, so Carol is the older name, by about 4 years.
Carol
Carolyn
When was each name popular?
Carol peaked first, in 1946 (after World War II). Carolyn peaked in 1947, 1 year later.
Which name is more common?
There are about 510,000 Carols and about 350,000 Carolyns alive in the US, so there are about 45% more Carols than Carolyns.
Boys or girls?
Both are girls' names: over 99% of living Carols and over 99% of living Carolyns are women.
Names the same age as Carol
Names the same age as Carolyn
More comparisons: Caroline vs. Carolyn
Think you can guess a Carol's age?
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Carol or Carolyn: questions
Which is older, Carol or Carolyn?
The average Carol is 72 and the average Carolyn is 67, so Carol is the older name, by about 4 years.
How old is the average Carol?
The average Carol in the US is 72; half of all living Carols are between 66 and 80.
How old is the average Carolyn?
The average Carolyn in the US is 67; half of all living Carolyns are between 60 and 79.
Which is more common, Carol or Carolyn?
There are about 510,000 Carols and about 350,000 Carolyns alive in the US, so there are about 45% more Carols than Carolyns.
Estimates from Social Security Administration baby-name records (births 1880–2025) and SSA cohort life tables (2026 Trustees Report). How we calculate this